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The Division of Priests

The Rest of the Levites

1 Chronicles 24:1-31



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The Division of Priests


Texts:

1 Chronicles 24:1-31,

1. The divisions of Aaron’s descendants were as follows: The sons of

Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

2. Nadab and Abihu died before their father did; they had no sons.

Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests.

3. David, Zadok (a descendant of Eleazar), and Ahimelech (a

descendant of Ithamar) divided them into groups to carry out their

assigned responsibilities.

4. The descendants of Eleazar had more leaders than the

descendants of Ithamar, so they divided them up accordingly; the

descendants of Eleazar had sixteen leaders, while the descendants of

Ithamar had eight.

5. They divided them by lots, for there were officials of the holy

place and officials designated by God among the descendants of

both Eleazar and Ithamar.

6. The scribe Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, wrote down their

names before the king, the officials, Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son

of Abiathar, and the leaders of the priestly and Levite families. One

family was drawn by lot from Eleazar, and then the next from

Ithamar.

7. The first lot went to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

8. the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim,

9. the fifth to Malkijah, the sixth to Mijamin,

10. the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,

11. the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah,

12. the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,

13. the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,

14. the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,



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15. the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez,

16. the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel,

17. the twenty-first to Jakin, the twenty-second to Gamul,

18. the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.

19. This was the order in which they carried out their assigned

responsibilities when they entered the Lord’s temple, according to

the regulations given them by their ancestor Aaron, just as the Lord

God of Israel had instructed him.

20. The rest of the Levites included: Shubael from the sons of

Amram, Jehdeiah from the sons of Shubael,

21. the firstborn Isshiah from Rehabiah and the sons of Rehabiah,

22. Shelomoth from the Izharites, Jahath from the sons of

Shelomoth.

23. The sons of Hebron: Jeriah, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the

third, and Jekameam the fourth.

24. The son of Uzziel: Micah; Shamir from the sons of Micah.

25. The brother of Micah: Isshiah. Zechariah from the sons of

Isshiah.

26. The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The son of Jaaziah: Beno.

27. The sons of Merari, from Jaaziah: Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and

Ibri.

28. From Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons.

29. From Kish:Jerahmeel.

30. The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the

Levites, listed by their families.

31. Just like their relatives, the descendants of Aaron, they also cast

lots before King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, the leaders of families,

the priests, and the Levites. The families of the oldest son cast lots

along with those of the youngest. (NET)

Introduction:

I. Hicks wrote, “One of the major concerns of the postexilic community

was the legitimization of its priests.”



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A. “The purpose” here, Hicks noted, was “not to legitimate the

lines of descent, but to legitimate the 24 divisions of the priestly

organization. Thus, the section begins: These were the divisions of

the sons of Aaron.”

II. Coffman stated, “Due to the fact that many thousands of the Levites

were eligible to participate in the temple services, it was necessary that

some systematic manner of determining the order in which they would

serve be developed.”

A. Coffman further noted, “One must be impressed with the

manner of David’s making such a determination by lot, duly

witnessed by all parties concerned.”

1. No one could charge David with partiality or unfairness in

making these assignments.

Commentary:

The Divisions of Priests

1 Chronicles 24:1, The divisions of Aaron’s descendants were as

follows: The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

(NET)

I. These were the divisions (courses) of the sons of Aaron:

A. “First Chronicles 24:1 resumes the genealogical list begun at 1

Chronicles 23:13 from Amram to Aaron. The sons of Aaron are

priests and therefore distinct from the rest of the Levites.” Hicks

wrote.

II. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.



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A. Exodus 6:23, Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of

Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab

and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. (NET)

1 Chronicles 24:2, Nadab and Abihu died before their father did;

they had no sons. Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. (NET)

I. But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no

sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as the priests.

A. Nadab and Abihu died because of their sin.

1. Leviticus 10:1-3, Then Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu,

each took his fire pan and put fire in it, set incense on it,

and presented strange fire before the Lord, which he had

not commanded them to do. So fire went out from the

presence of the Lord and consumed them so that they

died before the Lord. Moses then said to Aaron, “This is

what the Lord spoke: ‘Among the ones close to me I will

show myself holy, and in the presence of all the people I

will be honored.’” So Aaron kept silent. (NET)

B. The twenty-four (24) priestly divisions were organized

according to the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar, the two sons

of Aaron who survived following the deaths of Nadab and Abihu.

(See Hicks.)

1. “All the priests descended from Eleazar and Ithamar.”

(Hicks)

2. Numbers 3:2-4, These are the names of the sons of

Aaron: Nadab, the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and

Ithamar. These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the

anointed priests, whom he consecrated to minister as

priests. Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord when they



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offered strange fire before the Lord in the wilderness of

Sinai, and they had no children. So Eleazar and Ithamar

ministered as priests in the presence of Aaron their

father. (NET)

3. Numbers 26:60, 61, And to Aaron were born Nadab

and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. But Nadab and Abihu

died when they offered strange fire before the Lord.

(NET)

4. Nadab and Abihu died without sons meaning, in this case,

that their brothers would be the ancestors of the priests.

C. Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the life of their

father Aaron. After the death of Aaron, Eleazar became high priest.

Generations later the high priesthood under Eli of the family of

Ithamar re-entered the office of high priest. (See Clarke.)

1 Chronicles 24:3, David, Zadok (a descendant of Eleazar), and

Ahimelech (a descendant of Ithamar) divided them into groups to

carry out their assigned responsibilities. (NET)

I. With the help of Zadok, a descendant of Eleazar, and Ahimelech, a

descendant of Ithamar, David separated them into divisions for their

appointed order of ministering.

A. Hicks wrote, “Zadok and Ahimelech (the son of the high priest

Abiathar) were David’s two high priests.”

1. 1 Chronicles 18:16, Zadok son of Ahitub and

Abimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Shavsha was

scribe; (NET)



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2. “Zadok served at the tabernacle and Abiathar at the ark.

The two will serve together in the temple . . . ,” Hicks further

wrote.

3. Clarke explained, “Ahimelech is put here for Abiathar,

who was high priest in the days of David.”

a. Abiathar and his father were also known by the name

Ahimelech. (Clarke)

b. Mark 2:25, 26, He said to them, “Have you never

read what David did when he was in need and he

and his companions were hungry—how he entered

the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and

ate the sacred bread, which is against the law for

any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to his

companions?” (NET)

c. 2 Samuel 20:25, Sheva was the scribe, and Zadok

and Abiathar were the priests. (NET)

B. David, Zadok and Ahimelech worked conjointly to effect the

orderly service of the priests by dividing them into twenty-four

courses. (See Pulpit Commentary.)

1 Chronicles 24:4, The descendants of Eleazar had more leaders

than the descendants of Ithamar, so they divided them up

accordingly; the descendants of Eleazar had sixteen leaders, while

the descendants of Ithamar had eight. (NET)

I. A larger number of leaders was found among Eleazar’s descendants

than among Ithamar’s and they were divided accordingly.

II. Sixteen heads of families from Eleazar’s descendants and eight heads

of families were from Ithamar’s descendants.



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A. It was natural to appoint priests in proportion to the relative

population of Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants.

1 Chronicles 24:5, They divided them by lots, for there were officials

of the holy place and officials designated by God among the

descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar. (NET)

I. They divided them impartially by drawing lots, . . .

A. The selection involved both royal (David) and priestly

participation, Hicks observed.

1. 1 Chronicles 24:3, David, Zadok (a descendant of

Eleazar), and Ahimelech (a descendant of Ithamar)

divided them into groups to carry out their assigned

responsibilities. (NET)

2. 1 Chronicles 24:5, They divided them by lots, for there

were officials of the holy place and officials designated by

God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar.

(NET)

B. This fair selection method gave no opportunity for anyone to

allege improprieties in regard to the appointments which were

made by this random process.

1. 1 Chronicles 25:8, They cast lots to determine their

responsibilities—oldest as well as youngest, teacher as

well as student. (NET)

II. for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among

the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar.



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A. Hicks wrote, “The priests are the officials of the sanctuary and

officials of God.”

1. Coffman wrote, “The distinction between these is not

clear” and concluded with Madsen that “The two terms are

probably synonymous.”

B. Hicks continued by saying that, “This designation underscores

the centrality and importance of the priestly class without

devaluing the significance of other Levitical functions in the

temple. The priests are the officials of what is holy, and they

represent God.”

C. Officials can be translated governors and/or princes.

1. Isaiah 43:28, So I defiled your holy princes, and

handed Jacob over to destruction, and subjected Israel to

humiliating abuse.” (NET)

1 Chronicles 24:6, The scribe Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite,

wrote down their names before the king, the officials, Zadok the

priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the leaders of the priestly

and Levite families. One family was drawn by lot from Eleazar, and

then the next from Ithamar. (NET)

I. The scribe Shemaiah son of Nethanel (Nethaneel), a Levite, recorded

their names in the presence of the king and of the (Princes) officials:

A. Scribe here refers to the clerk or secretary who served as

recorder of decisions made regarding priestly courses.

II. Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar and the heads of

families of the priests and of the Levites – one family being taken from

Eleazar and then one from Ithamar.



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A. Clarke wrote, “The family of Eleazar was the most illustrious of

the sacerdotal families, because Eleazar was the first-born of

Aaron, Ithamar’s family was the second in order and dignity;

therefore, one of the principal families of Eleazar was first taken,

and then one of Ithamar’s, and thus alternately till the whole was

finished.”

B. The Pulpit Commentary, in view of the ratio of 16 to 8, two

selections may have alternately been made from Eleazar’s

descendants to one selection from Ithamar’s descendants until

twenty-four selections had been made.

1 Chronicles 24:7-18, The first lot went to Jehoiarib, the second to

Jedaiah, the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, the fifth to

Malkijah, the sixth to Mijamin, the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to

Abijah, the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah, the eleventh to

Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim, the thirteenth to Huppah, the

fourteenth to Jeshebeab, the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to

Immer, the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez, the

nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel, the twenty-first

to Jakin, the twenty-second to Gamul, the twenty-third to Delaiah,

the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. (NET)

I. The first lot fell to Jehoiarib (Joiarib),

A. 1 Chronicles 9:10, From the priests: Jedaiah; Jehoiarib;

Jakin; (NET)

B. Nehemiah 11:10, From the priests: Jedaiah son of Joiarib,

Jakin, (NET)

C. 1 Chronicles 12:6, 19, Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and

Jashobeam, who were Korahites, Some men from Manasseh

joined David when he went with the Philistines to fight against

Saul. (But in the end they did not help the Philistines because,



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after taking counsel, the Philistine lords sent David away,

saying: “It would be disastrous for us if he deserts to his

master Saul.”) (NET)

II. the second to Jedaiah,

A. Ezra 2:36, The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah (through

the family of Jeshua): 973; (NET)

B. Nehemiah 7:39, The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah

(through the family of Jeshua), 973; (NET)

C. Nehemiah 12: 6, 7, 19, 21, Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah, Sallu,

Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah. These were the leaders of the

priests and their colleagues in the days of Jeshua. of Joiarib,

Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi; of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah,

Nethanel. (NET)

III. the third to Harim (Rehum),

A. Ezra 2:39, the descendants of Harim: 1,017. (NET)

B. Ezra 10:21, From the descendants of Harim: Maaseiah,

Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah. (NET)

C. Nehemiah 7:42, the descendants of Harim, 1,017. (NET)

D. Nehemiah 10:5, Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, (NET)

E. Nehemiah 12:4, Iddo, Ginnethon, Abijah, (NET)

IV. the fourth Seorim.

A. Seorim is not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. (Pulpit

Commentary)



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V. the fifth to Malkijah (Malchijah),

A. Malkijah here is used as a family rather than an individual

name. (See Pulpit Commentary.)

VI. the sixth to Mijamin (Miamin, Miniamin),

A. Mijamin here is used as a family rather than an individual name.

(See Pulpit Commentary.)

VII. the seventh to Hakkoz,

A. Hakkoz here refers to a family rather than to an individual.

(See Pulpit Commentary.)

VIII. the eighth to Abijah,

A. Luke 1:5-17, During the reign of Herod king of Judea, there

lived a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly

division of Abijah, and he had a wife named Elizabeth, who

was a descendant of Aaron. They were both righteous in the

sight of God, following all the commandments and ordinances

of the Lord blamelessly. But they did not have a child, because

Elizabeth was barren, and they were both very old. Now while

Zechariah was serving as priest before God when his division

was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of

the priesthood, to enter the holy place of the Lord and burn

incense. Now the whole crowd of people were praying outside

at the hour of the incense offering. An angel of the Lord,

standing on the right side of the altar of incense, appeared to

him. And Zechariah, visibly shaken when he saw the angel,

was seized with fear. But the angel said to him, “Do not be

afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your

wife Elizabeth will bear you a son; you will name him John.



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Joy and gladness will come to you, and many will rejoice at his

birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must

never drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the

Holy Spirit, even before his birth. He will turn many of the

people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go as

forerunner before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to

turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the

disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the

Lord a people prepared for him.” (NET)

B. Nehemiah 10:7, Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, (NET)

IX. the ninth to Jeshua,

A. Ezra 2:36, The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah (through

the family of Jeshua): 973; (NET)

B. Nehemiah 7:39, The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah

(through the family of Jeshua), 973; (NET)

X. the tenth to Shecaniah (Shechaniah),

A. Ezra 8:3-5, the son of Shecaniah; from the descendants of

Parosh, Zechariah, and with him were enrolled by genealogy

150 men; from the descendants of Pahath-Moab, Eliehoenai

son of Zerahiah, and with him 200 men; from the descendants

of Zattu, Shecaniah son of Jahaziel, and with him 300 men;

(NET)

XI. the eleventh to Eliashib,

A. Eliashib is the name of six or seven men in the Old Testament.

B. The Eliashib here was a priest in David’s time.



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XII. the twelth of Jakim,

A. This name is not elsewhere found in Scripture. (See Pulpit

Commentary.)

XIII. the thirteenth to Huppah,

A. The Huppah was “a priest responsible for one of the divisions

of service in the sanctuary in David’s time.” (Youngblood)

XIV. the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,

A. This Jeshebeab was “head of the 14th

division of priests in the

sanctuary service in David’s time.” (Youngblood)

XV. the fifteenth to Bilgah,

A. Bilgah was “the chief of the 15th

group of priests officiating in

Temple service in king David’s time.” (Youngblood)

XVI. the sixteenth to Immer,

A. Immer was “a descendant of Aaron whose family had become

‘father’s house’ by the time of David’s reign. The family was the

16th

of the 24 divisions of priests serving the tabernacle. Some

members of this family returned from the captivity and lived in

Jerusalem.” (Youngblood)

1. Ezra 2:37, the descendants of Immer: 1,052; (NET)

2. Nehemiah 11:13, and his colleagues who were heads of

families—242; and Amashsai son of Azarel, the son of

Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer, (NET)

XVII. the seventeenth to Hezir,



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A. This Hezir was the head of the seventeenth course of priests

according to David’s divisions.

XVIII. the eighteenth to Happizzez (Aphses, Hapizez),

A. Happizzez was the head of the eighteenth division of priests

according to David’s plan.

XIX. the nineteenth to Pethahiah,

A. Pethahiah was “a priest whose family was appointed by David

as sanctuary priests.” (Youngblood)

XX. the twentieth to Jehezkel (Jehezekel),

A. Jehezkel was a priest who was descended from Aaron who was

appointed with his family as head of the twentieth division of

David’s sanctuary priests.

XXI. the twenty-first to Jakin (Jachin),

A. Jakin was the head of the twenty-first course of David’s

sanctuary priests.

XXII. the twenty-second to Gamul,

A. Gamul was the head of the twenty-second course of David’s

sanctuary priests.

XXIII. the twenty-third to Delaiah,

A. Delaiah was head of the twenty-third course of David’s

sanctuary priests.



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XXIV. and the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.

A. Maaziah was the head of the twenty-fourth division of David’s

sanctuary priests.

1 Chronicles 24:19, This was the order in which they carried out

their assigned responsibilities when they entered the Lord’s temple,

according to the regulations given them by their ancestor Aaron,

just as the Lord God of Israel had instructed him. (NET)

I. This was their appointed order of ministering when they entered the

temple of the Lord, according to the regulations prescribed for them by

their forefather Aaron, as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded

him.

A. The authority for the performance of the stipulated priestly and

Levitical duties is here traced back to Aaron and did not originate

with David, Zadok and Ahimelech. (See Hicks.)

B. In this entire process “the order and plans laid down by Aaron

during his lifetime were followed.” (Clarke)

C. “Each course served a week from the seventh day to the seventh

day.” (Pulpit Commentary)

1. 2 Kings 11:9, The officers of the units of hundreds did

just as Jehoiada the priest ordered. Each of them took his

men, those who were on duty during the Sabbath as well

as those who were off duty on the Sabbath, and reported

to Jehoiada the priest. (NET)

2. 2 Chronicles 23:8, The Levites and all the men of

Judah did just as Jehoiada the priest ordered. Each of

them took his men, those who were on duty during the

Sabbath as well as those who were off duty on the



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Sabbath. Jehoiada the priest did not release his divisions

from their duties. (NET)


1 Chronicles 24:20, The rest of the Levites included: Shubael from

the sons of Amram, Jehdeiah from the sons of Shubael, (NET)

I. As for the rest of the descendants of Levi: . . .

A. from the sons of Amram: Shubael; . . .

1. Shubael was a grandson of Moses.

a. 1 Chronicles 23:15, 16, The sons of Moses:

Gershom and Eliezer. The son of Gershom: Shebuel

the oldest. (NET)

2. Amram was the father of Moses, Aaron and Miriam.

B. from the sons of Shubael: Jehdeiah.

Note: “ . . . these lists of names represent families rather than

individuals,” Coffman observed.

Note: This section “repeats the names found in 1 Chronicles 23:16-23

with the addition of another generation.” (Hicks) 1 Chronicles 23:16-

23, The son of Gershom: Shebuel the oldest. The son of Eliezer was

Rehabiah, the oldest. Eliezer had no other sons, but Rehabiah had

many descendants. The son of Izhar: Shelomith the oldest. The sons

of Hebron: Jeriah the oldest, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the

third, and Jekameam the fourth. The sons of Uzziel: Micah the

oldest, and Isshiah the second. The sons of Merari: Mahli and

Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish. Eleazar died without

having sons; he had only daughters. The sons of Kish, their cousins,



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married them. The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth—

three in all. (NET) These Levites appear to be a group assigned to

perform duties as priestly assistants just as others were assigned to duties

as musicians, gatekeepers and treasurers. The 24 Levites listed here

would correspond to the 24 priestly divisions. (See Hicks.)

Note: The family of Gershon is not included in this list. Coffman had

no reason for this omission. Hicks ventured the opinion that the duties

assigned to Gershon were not being addressed by this list and, therefore,

Gershon was not mentioned. Clarke simply wrote that this omission of

the family of Gershom is “remarkable.” The Pulpit Commentary noted

that duties assigned to the Gershonites are specified elsewhere. 1

Chronicles 26:21, 22, The descendants of Ladan, who were

descended from Gershon through Ladan and were leaders of the

families of Ladan the Gershonite, included Jehieli and the sons of

Jehieli, Zetham and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the

storehouses in the Lord’s temple. (NET)

1 Chronicles 24:21, the firstborn Isshiah from Rehabiah and the

sons of Rehabiah, (NET)

I. As for Rehabiah, from his sons: Isshiah was the first.

A. Rehabiah was a descendant of Moses through his younger son

Eliezer.

1 Chronicles 24:22, Shelomoth from the Izharites, Jahath from the

sons of Shelomoth. (NET)

I. From the Izharites: Shelomoth (Shelomith);

A. Izhar was Kohath’s second son.



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1. 1 Chronicles 23:12, 18, The sons of Kohath: Amram,

Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—four in all. The son of Izhar:

Shelomith the oldest. (NET)

II. from the sons of Shelomoth: Jahath.

1 Chronicles 24:23, The sons of Hebron: Jeriah, Amariah the

second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. (NET)

I. The sons of Hebron:

Note: The four named sons of Hebron mentioned in this verse are

descendants of Kohath’s third son Hebron. (Pulpit Commentary) 1

Chronicles 23:12, The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and

Uzziel—four in all. (NET)

A. Jeriah the first,

B. Amariah the second,

C. Jahaziel the third, and . . .

D. Jekameam the fourth.

1 Chronicles 24:24, 25, The son of Uzziel: Micah; Shamir from the

sons of Micah. The brother of Micah: Isshiah. Zechariah from the

sons of Isshiah. (NET)

I. The son of Uzziel: Micah; . . .

II. from the sons of Micah (Michah): Shamir.

III. The brother of Micah (Micah): Isshiah;

IV. from the sons of Isshiah: Zechariah.



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1 Chronicles 24:26, 27, The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The

son of Jaaziah: Beno. The sons of Merari, from Jaaziah: Beno,

Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri. (NET)

I. The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi.

II. The son of Jaaziah: Beno.

III. The sons of Merari:

A. from Jaaziah:

1. Beno, . . .

2. Shoham, . . .

3. Zaccur and . . .

4. Ibri.

1 Chronicles 24:28, From Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons. (NET)

I. From Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons.

1 Chronicles 24:29, From Kish:Jerahmeel. (NET)

I. From Kish: the son of Kish: Jerahmeel.

1 Chronicles 24:30, The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth.

These were the Levites, listed by their families. (NET)

I. And the sons of Mushi: . . .

A. Mahli, . . .



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B. Eder and . . .

C. Jerimoth.

II. These were the Levites, according to their families.

1 Chronicles 24:31, Just like their relatives, the descendants of

Aaron, they also cast lots before King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, the

leaders of families, the priests, and the Levites. The families of the

oldest son cast lots along with those of the youngest. (NET)

I. They also cast lots, just as their brothers the descendants of Aaron did,

in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads

of families of the priests and of the Levites.

A. Clarke wrote, “The Levites were divided into twenty-four

orders; and these were appointed to serve by lot under the twenty-

four orders of the priests: the first order of Levites under the first

order of priests, and so on.”

II. The families of the oldest brother were treated the same as those of

the youngest.

A. In regard to the matter at hand, the rights of primogeniture did

not apply.

1. The oldest and youngest were treated equally. (Pulpit

Commentary)

a. 1 Chronicles 26:12, 16, These divisions of the

gatekeepers, corresponding to their leaders, had

assigned responsibilities, like their relatives, as they

served in the Lord’s temple. Shuppim and Hosah

were assigned the west gate, along with the



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Shalleketh gate on the upper road. One guard was

adjacent to another. (NET)



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Conclusion:

I. David made arrangements for the decent and orderly performance of

worship activities by appointment of priests in courses and their

assistants and by specifying their duties.

II. Our worship and our lives are also to be conducted in a decent and

orderly manner!

A. 1 Corinthians 14:40, And do everything in a decent and

orderly manner. (NET)



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Questions

1 Chronicles 24:1-31

(Questions based on NIV text.)

1. First and Second Chronicles were written to address the needs of “the

post-exilic community.” What is meant by this expression? What were

some of the pressing needs of this community? ___________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

2. How were the priests distinct from other Levites by way of ancestry?_

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

3. What happened to Nadab and Abihu? What did they do to deserve

this? _____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

4. The _____________ - _____________ ( ) _____________

______________ were organized according to the _____________ of

___________ and ___________, the __________ remaining _________

of ___________ who survived following the __________ of _________



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and __________. All the ________ were descendants of __________and

___________.

5. Identify Zadok, Abinelech and Abiathar? ______________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

6. What are lots? How were they used to make decisions, selections? _

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

7. Why were more priests chosen from the descendants of Eleazar than

from the descendants of Ithamar? Was this fair? __________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

8. What insured the impartiality of the process of the selection of

priests? ___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



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9. How are the terms “officials of the sanctuary” and “officials of God”

the same and/or different? ____________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

10. Who was Shemaiah? What office did he hold? What were his

duties? ___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

11. In view of what is said in verse 6, do you agree with Clarke and the

Pulpit Commentary as to the order in which priestly selections were

made? ____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

12. Who was chosen to head each of the twenty-four (24) priestly

divisions, courses?

First _______________________________________

Second _______________________________________

Third _______________________________________

Fourth _______________________________________

Fifth _______________________________________

Sixth _______________________________________

Seventh _______________________________________



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Eighth _______________________________________

Ninth _______________________________________

Tenth _______________________________________

Eleventh _______________________________________

Twelfth _______________________________________

Thirteenth _______________________________________

Fourteenth _______________________________________

Fifteenth _______________________________________

Sixteenth _______________________________________

Seventeenth _______________________________________

Eighteenth _______________________________________

Nineteenth _______________________________________

Twentieth _______________________________________

Twenty-first _______________________________________

Twenty-second _______________________________________

Twenty-third _______________________________________

Twenty-fourth _______________________________________

13. On what authority did David make his decisions regarding duties and

function of the priests? _______________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

14. How long did each priestly course serve? On what day did their

service begin and end? _______________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



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15. From the non-priestly Levites, how many were chosen? What were

their duties? From what Levitical families did they descend? Why was

Gershom omitted from this list? ________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

16. Was it customary in ancient Israel for the youngest to be treated the

same as the oldest? Explain the significance of the equality mentioned

in verse 31. ________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

17. How important is it that our worship and lives be orderly in all

respects? __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

18. Where and under what conditions is the course of Abijah mentioned

in the New Testament? _______________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



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19. Relate examples from among Christians in your experience when

things have been done with and without partiality? Which is more in

keeping with God’s will? _____________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

20. Who are God’s priests and high priest today? Support your answer

with Scripture. _____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

the division of priests - bible study workshop

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